Malaysia
General visa requirements for travelling to Malaysia. These policies apply to all nationalities unless a country-specific policy exists.
Have a specific passport country? Check your specific route.
Work / Immigration visa (Professional Visit Pass)
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
e-Visa
- Maximum stay
- 365 days
- Processing time
- 7-14 business days
- Fee
- MYR 1,200 (approximately $267 USD)
- Validity
- Up to 12 months
- Entry
- Multiple entry
Professional Visit Pass is for foreign professionals entering Malaysia for short-term work assignments, training, technical services, or business activities not exceeding 12 months. Unlike Employment Pass, PVP is for temporary professional engagements.
Eligibility
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Employment
Must have invitation letter from Malaysian company or organization detailing purpose, duration, and nature of professional activities.
Required status: Invitation letter from Malaysian company
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Purpose of visit
Valid for temporary professional work, training, technical services, business meetings, or short-term assignments not exceeding 12 months.
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 18
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Photo
Count: 1; Specifications: Passport-sized, recent
How to apply
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Online application
Malaysian company/sponsor submits PVP application through ESD portal.
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Document gathering
Prepare passport copy, invitation letter, professional qualifications, and detailed work scope.
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Fee payment
Pay Professional Visit Pass fee of MYR 1,200.
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Processing wait
Wait 7-14 business days for approval.
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Visa collection
Upon approval, enter Malaysia and present approval letter at immigration. Complete formalities at Immigration Department.
Work / Immigration visa (Employment Pass)
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
e-Visa
- Maximum stay
- 1825 days
- Processing time
- 4-10 weeks
- Fee
- MYR 2,000 (approximately $445 USD)
- Validity
- Up to 5 years (renewable)
- Entry
- Multiple entry
Employment Pass is for foreign professionals employed by Malaysian companies. Three categories based on salary: Category I (RM10,000+/month), Category II (RM5,000-9,999/month), Category III (RM3,000-4,999/month). Application must be submitted by the Malaysian employer through ESD (Expatriate Services Division) portal.
Eligibility
-
Employment
Must have job offer from Malaysian company. Employer must be registered, in good standing, with up-to-date tax and statutory filings. Position must meet minimum salary thresholds: Category I (RM10,000+), Category II (RM5,000-9,999), Category III (RM3,000-4,999).
Required status: Confirmed employment offer from Malaysian employer
-
Purpose of visit
Bachelor's degree or equivalent typically required, with at least 3 years of relevant work experience. Higher categories may require more experience and qualifications.
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Health
Medical examination required from Malaysian registered medical practitioner upon arrival.
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 18
-
Photo
Count: 1; Specifications: Passport-sized, recent, colored
How to apply
-
Online application
Employer submits Employment Pass application through ESD portal (https://esd.imi.gov.my/portal/).
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Document gathering
Employer uploads required documents: employment contract (up to 5 years), passport copy, academic certificates, work experience letters, company registration documents.
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Fee payment
Employer pays Employment Pass application fee of MYR 2,000.
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Processing wait
Wait 4-10 weeks for processing. Immigration may request additional documents or interview.
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Visa collection
Upon approval, employee receives Approval Letter. Enter Malaysia with Single Entry Visa, report to Immigration within 30 days to complete formalities and receive Employment Pass card.